Page 79 of The Legend of the Betrayed Duchess
“But your writing? I would hate to take you away from that,” George said.
“There can be no thought of that right now. I am in mourning too. His Grace was so very kind to me when I was a small child, taking me into his home as he did. It is the very least I can do.”
“Very well, then, let us meet tomorrow morning and see how you may help.”
“And me, too,” Ann added. “I should like to feel useful. All this grieving, moaning, and wallowing does not suit me. I would much rather make myself useful.”
“I am certain we can find a way for you to be helpful.”
George turned to Charlotte. “And, dear Sister, what about you? Do you wish to find something to do?”
“Unlike my dear sister, I am too deep in grief to offer my services,” she said as she speared a small potato and plopped it in her mouth.
Harold leaned in toward George and said, “If you like, I can take over the daily tasks and chores that his Grace usually attended to. At least until you are ready to assume the responsibilities.”
“I want to talk to you about that. I am not certain I care to run the farm. I really need to concentrate on my painting, and I was thinking of giving you full control. I would like to make you the permanent manager—if that would interest you.”
Harold sat back in his chair and considered that. “I should like to discuss that with you further. But this is not the time. Perhaps tomorrow morning?”
“If you do not mind, I would prefer if we waited until after the funeral?” George said, suddenly feeling the pressure of the next few days ahead.
“Of course, Your Grace.”
Chapter 28
Lucy offered her assistance leading up to the funeral. George, however, suggested the best use of her talents would be to assist the Duchess, who was taking her husband’s death extremely hard. He did not have the time to spend with her and Ann had already informed him that she did not want to take on that task.
The next morning, as Harold and Lucy were preparing to go down to breakfast, Harold announced, “His Grace has asked me to become the estate manager on a permanent basis.”
“Thatisgood news,” Lucy replied.
Harold smiled. “Indeed, it is.”
“But what of your plans to purchase an estate?” Lucy asked. “Might this new development not delay that?”
Harold stood looking out the window a while before answering. “I am willing to forego that for the time being if it will assist George at this difficult time. In any case, I know he would prefer to focus on his painting. And it will allow you and me to remain here for the foreseeable future.” He turned back to look at her. “And I believe that would suit you, no?”
Lucy had to admit to herself it did. She so treasured working with George in his studio. Then there was the hint that George had wanted to speak to her privately on some matter of importance. But that was before the Duke’s death, and she knew that conversation—whatever it might be—wwould need to be put aside for now.
She went over and linked her arm with Harold’s. “I must say, I would miss living at Grayson Manor where I have spent so much of my life. So, if this situation suits you, it shall also suit me.” Lucy smiled. “But I somehow think your taking the job has another purpose as well—after what I have seen of you and Betsy together. Might she become my sister-in-law?”
Harold smiled shyly. “Would that please you?”
“She is already dear to me as a sister. And I cannot think of anyone better for you as a wife. It would please me no end.”
“Then there is a distinct possibility your wish might be granted. And it will not hurt that she has such a handsome living attached to her marriage. However, it shall not be soon, as a period of mourning must be observed.”
“At least six months to a year,” Lucy said softly. “I am sorry.”
But she was troubled by what Harold had said about Betsy’s dowry. Why would that matter to him since he had his own considerable fortune? She hoped that he was not interested in Betsy only because of the money.
“And once she and I are married I can think about finding the three of us a house. That is if you decide you wish to live with us. You might prefer to stay here.” Harold smiled. “Or you might, yourself, be married by then. I have seen Mr. Beaumont eagerly courting you. And, as he is not in mourning, he is free to marry when he wishes.”
As bright as that might sound, it troubled Lucy, as she had no inclination toward Mr. Goodwin. Her heart was elsewhere. But even if George was to ask her to marry him, it could not be so until the period of mourning was observed. And then there was the obstacle of her Grace who would almost certainly oppose such a union between her and George.
“Oh, dear brother, I sincerely doubt that I shall accept Mr. Goodwin as a husband.”
“And why not? He is the heir to a title, has a good fortune, and would not be concerned whether you bring a living with you or not. You would be most attractive to such a fine gentleman.”
